VALOR - Value Chain Transformation for Ocean Plastic Management

VALOR addresses the pressing challenge of marine plastic pollution across Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, recognizing this as a complex, transboundary issue.It focuses on building capacity in Ocean Plastic Management by addressing specific skills gaps across the value chain. Its key methodology is to introduce Environmental Sustainability and Deep Tech Skills across critical stages of the waste management lifecycle.Four key areas will be addressed: 1. Prevention (with a focus on developing Policy and Regulatory skills alongside Innovation and Entrepreneurship capabilities); 2.Collection (Digital and Technology Skills combined with Community Engagement Skills); 3. Recycling (Innovation and Entrepreneurship development) and 4. Policy and Governance (Cooperation Skills alongside Financial and Project Management Skills).The project will develop 16 micro-credential courses to enhance and pilot 6 existing programs (9 existing and 2 new courses at EQF levels 5 and 6), in target HEIs. A bundle of Capacity Building actions (workshops, study visits, mentoring and entrepreneurship programmes) will reach 60 academic staff, 180 students, 30 professionals. Six VALOR Labs across partner institutions will sustain maximise and sustain project results. A certification and validation schema via the recognition of micro-credentials, accreditation of courses, and alignment with EU frameworks (such as ESCO and EQF) is anticipated to enhance employability and professional qualifications.